Former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski traveled to Millville’s Texas Roadhouse Friday evening to join the excitement of the rivalry, and announce his team, Philadelphia Soul, is coming to Vineland.

“We’re taking over Vineland on Saturday, April 14 for practice before our
game the next day,” Jaworski announced at the press conference, flanked
by Mayor Rob Romano of Vineland and Mayor Tim Shannon of Millville.

Vineland’s takeover will happen on Saturday, April 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Soul players will practice on the closed-off 600 block of Landis
Avenue.

The rival cities are hosting an unofficial contest to see who can sell
the most tickets to the Sunday, April 15 game, where both cities will
be highlighted during the arena football event at the Wells Fargo center
in Philadelphia, Pa.

“Philadelphia Soul couldn’t be more happy to show off our team and
support these two communities,” Jaworski said at the Friday press
conference. “Millville and Vineland have one of the oldest, fiercest
community rivalries in the county; 118 years and 136 games. That’s
amazing.”

Businesses in both cities will hold a certain amount of tickets to sell.

For each $13 ticket, $5 goes back to the business. And for every $28 ticket, $14 goes back to the business.

Jaworski, 61, of Vorhees, started his professional career in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

He played for the Rams until 1976, before moving to the Philadelphia Eagles the following year.

He currently is the co-owner and team president of Philadelphia Soul,
and owner and operator of Ron Jaworski Golf Management, and the Valley Brook and Running Deer country clubs.

“Football is very important to these two adversaries,” Jaworski said.
“They’re competitors on the field, but have a strong commitment to
community, and love each other off the field.”

The two mayors were ecstatic and thanked Jaworski immensely.

“With the economy the way it is, this is a great opportunity for both of
us,” Mayor Romano said. “We’re very thankful to Ron for picking us to
take over.”

Romano candidly added: “Though we haven’t been as successful in recent years during our Thanksgiving rival games against Millville, we do have more overall wins.”
Mayor Shannon echoed Romano’s sentiments and excitement.